K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth — ruling 1

A Phyrexian mana symbol contributes 1 toward the mana value of a card, even if life is paid for it. Specifically, K'rrik's mana value is always 7.

K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth — ruling 2

K'rrik's ability lets you pay 2 life for {B} in any cost you pay, including the mana costs of spells, activation costs, and even costs for special actions (such as morph). Any time you pay mana, that's a cost.

K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth — ruling 3

K'rrik's ability doesn't modify or reduce costs you pay. It changes only how you may pay those costs.

K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth — ruling 4

You can't pay 2 life to pay for generic mana in costs you pay, even if an effect says that you must spend black mana to pay that generic mana.

K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth — ruling 5

If a cost contains a mana symbol that may be paid in multiple ways, such as {B/R}, {B/P}, or {2/B}, you choose how you'll pay it before you do so. If you choose to pay {B} this way, K'rrik's ability allows you to pay life rather than pay that mana.

K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth — ruling 6

K'rrik's last ability resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. It resolves even if that spell is countered.

K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

( can be paid with either or 2 life.) Lifelink For each in a cost, you may pay 2 life rather than pay that mana. Whenever you cast a black spell, put a +1/+1 counter on K'rrik.

Complete guide

K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth is the ultimate enabler for black decks, turning your life total into a secondary mana pool. By allowing you to bypass black mana requirements, he facilitates explosive turns that would otherwise be impossible. Mastering his rules is key to dominating the battlefield without accidentally draining yourself to zero.

Life as a Resource

K'rrik's primary ability allows you to pay 2 life for each {B} in any cost. This is not limited to just casting spells; it applies to activated abilities, triggered abilities that require a payment, and even special actions like morph. Note that this only applies to the specific black mana symbol; generic mana costs (like the {4} in K'rrik's own cost) must still be paid with mana unless another effect allows otherwise.

The Casting Process

When you cast a black spell, K'rrik's triggered ability goes on the stack. This trigger resolves before the spell that caused it, meaning K'rrik will receive his +1/+1 counter even if the spell is eventually countered by an opponent. If you pay life to cast a spell while K'rrik has Lifelink, you do not immediately 'gain it back' because the life loss happens during the payment of costs, whereas Lifelink only triggers when K'rrik deals damage.

Phyrexian Mana and Hybrids

K'rrik's ability interacts uniquely with hybrid symbols like {B/R} or {B/P}. You must first choose which half of the hybrid symbol you are paying. If you choose to pay {B}, K'rrik then allows you to pay 2 life instead. Regardless of whether you pay mana or life, the mana value of the card remains the same; K'rrik's mana value is always 7, even if you paid 6 life and {4} to cast him.

When to Deploy K'rrik

Because K'rrik triggers off every black spell, he is best played when you have several follow-up plays in hand. Since his ability to pay life is a static ability, you can start using it immediately once he is on the battlefield. Be mindful of your life total, as the cost of 2 life per {B} adds up quickly, especially in formats like Commander.

Interaction examples

Aggressive Removal with Massacre Wurm

Massacre Wurm

With K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth on the battlefield, you look to cast Massacre Wurm. Its cost is {3}{B}{B}{B}. You may choose to pay {3} mana and 6 life (2 life for each of the three {B} symbols). Once you announce the spell, K'rrik's trigger goes on the stack. K'rrik gets a +1/+1 counter first, then Massacre Wurm enters the battlefield and its -2/-2 effect triggers.

Cheating the Curve with Sheoldred

Sheoldred, Whispering One

To cast Sheoldred, Whispering One, which costs {5}{B}{B}, you can pay {5} mana and 4 life. K'rrik sees you casting a black spell and gains a +1/+1 counter. Because Sheoldred is now on the board, her upkeep trigger will help you recur creatures, while K'rrik's Lifelink can help you claw back the life you spent to cast her once he attacks.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : K'rrik, Son of Yawgmoth

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1June 7, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
A Phyrexian mana symbol contributes 1 toward the mana value of a card, even if life is paid for it. Specifically, K'rrik's mana value is always 7.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2June 7, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
K'rrik's ability lets you pay 2 life for in any cost you pay, including the mana costs of spells, activation costs, and even costs for special actions (such as morph). Any time you pay mana, that's a cost.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3August 23, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
K'rrik's ability doesn't modify or reduce costs you pay. It changes only how you may pay those costs.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4August 23, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
You can't pay 2 life to pay for generic mana in costs you pay, even if an effect says that you must spend black mana to pay that generic mana.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5August 23, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
If a cost contains a mana symbol that may be paid in multiple ways, such as , , or , you choose how you'll pay it before you do so. If you choose to pay this way, K'rrik's ability allows you to pay life rather than pay that mana.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6August 23, 2019· Wizards of the Coast
K'rrik's last ability resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. It resolves even if that spell is countered.
No other card is named in this ruling.